So, you've finally had it with that nagging pain in your back, or your headaches, and you're doctor has given you the go ahead to see a massage therapist. What you would really need to know now is how to find or choose a licensed massage therapist. (for those of us in Canada, you will want to find a Registered Massage Therapist or RMT)
There are many great massage therapists and bodyworkers out there, so you shouldn't have too much trouble finding one with whom you can develop a positive, therapeutic relationship. Here are some simple steps which can help you find a qualified massage therapist who suits your needs.
1. What I would suggest is that you ask any friends or acquaintances who they see for massage. As a licensed massage therapist myself, I often get new referrals from my clients who have gotten great results from my treatments. In addition, because we've already established a relationship of trust, this trust is easily transferable to new clients, who often feel more comfortable going to someone who is known to their friends. Finding a licensed therapist this way may give you more confidence going into your first appointment, since you probably already have an idea of what to expcect.
(One word of caution: If you try out a friends massage therapist, and are not happy with the treatment, remember that it is your right to find someone who suits you. As therapists, we don't take it personally, and for a therapeutic relationship to be successful, you have to first and foremost be happy with your therapist and the type of treatment you are receiving.)
2. If you don't have anyone you can ask, there are several options you can try.The local yellow pages or search engines (if you prefer to search online) can be a quick way to find a licensed massage therapist. Be aware that any legitimate massage therapist will indicated that the therapist has a license, or is registered or certified. An ad for a licensed massage therapist will also include language in the ad such as 'therapeutic', 'medical' or 'rehabilitation' massage, treatment of back pain, headaches etc. Anything that contains language of a "questionable" nature probably isn't legitimate, so you might want to look elsewhere.
3. You can try your provincial or state massage therapy association. When a governing body provides a license to a massage therapist you know that at the very least he or she is a member in good standing and is accountable to his or her governing body. This is important for 2 reasons,1) Obviously no one has made any complaints and she is still an active member, and 2) You do have recourse if for any reason you do not feel that his or her treatment or conduct was professional.
While not being able to endorse the quality of the therapist (i.e. tell you if a person is a good massage therapist), membership in a professional association ensures that therapists meet a certain minimum standard of training and conduct, and while most therapists strive to go above and beyond this minimum, at least the minimum has been met.
4. If you have been suffering from pain of some sort, you can call a physiotherapy, chiropractic, massage therapy, sports or health clinic to ask if they have a therapist on staff. Since massage therapy is a great adjunct to physiotherapy and chiropractic care, such clinics will often have at least one therapist on-site, or one they recommend. Medical clinics should only hire licensed massage therapists, but in case you are unsure, ask what governing body with which the therapist is a member. In a setting such as one of the above, the therapists have the benefit of working closely with other health professionals, and often refer patients to another professional if a condition requires another type of treatment. Also, the treatments they provide may tend to be more therapeutic or medically based, though all therapists within a jurisdiction are usually required to have the same level of training.
5. If you just want a relaxation treatment, perhaps with some other services such as a mud wrap or pedicure, a medi-spa may suit you just fine. What I would caution, however, is that you ensure that the massage therapist you see is actually registered with the provincial or state governing body. This is especially important if you have any health concerns or history of injury, or if you have medical coverage which requires a licensed massage therapist, as you will not get reimbursed if an esthetician provides a treatment.
Think of finding the right massage therapist as an investment in your health, so take your time and ensure that the therapist is the right fit for your in every way.
